Rugs are one of the most important layers in a room. They anchor furniture, add warmth and texture, soften hard surfaces, and can completely transform the feel of a space. But they can also be one of the trickiest purchases to make online.
Between confusing sizes, misleading product photos and endless retailer options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After purchasing dozens of rugs for my homes and rentals over the last 16+ years, I feel much more confident knowing what to look for (and what to avoid).
This guide includes my favorite rug retailers, sizing guidance, shopping tips and a curated collection of 240+ rugs by color that I’d use in my own projects. Note: all of these recommendations are through the lens of my ‘designer look for less’ approach. If budget is no concern and you want something that will last a lifetime, look for a traditional hand knotted rug.
Where I shop for rugs
Here’s my shortlist of retailers I always check first:
A few more solid options:
Pro tip: Always search multiple retailers before purchasing. The exact same rug often appears under different names and prices.
Rug Size Guide
The biggest mistake people make is choosing a rug that’s too small for their space. The right rug size defines the area, balances your furniture and ties everything together.
Rug Shopping Tips
Here’s my best advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and help you choose right the first time.
Always look at reviews
Product photos can be very misleading. Lighting, editing, and screen settings can make rugs appear much warmer, cooler, lighter, or darker than they really are.
I’ve seen rugs that look brown online, but read blue in person, and many vintage-inspired rugs vary from batch to batch. You have to be especially careful with rugs that have blue and pink tones, as they can appear almost purple in person
It’s critical to look through reviews (on multiple retailers) and find many customer photos as possible. Though these will vary too, they’re the best indicator of what the rug will actually look like in your home.
Price check across multiple retailers
Many manufacturers sell the exact same rug through several retailers. And to make things even more confusing, retailers often rename them. Wayfair in particular is known for changing names, making it difficult to comparison shop.
For example, the popular Loloi Layla Olive/Charcoal rug is listed as ‘Giacinto Oriental Indoor Rug By World Menagerie‘ on Wayfair, and won’t appear when searching for the actual product name. A quick search can often save hundreds of dollars!
Consider materials
Rug materials can make a big difference in both appearance and performance. Each fiber has its own strengths and drawbacks, and many rugs are made from a combination of materials with varying weave styles. I always recommend studying the close-up product photos to get a more accurate sense of the texture and finish.
Polyester
Budget friendly and soft underfoot. Most of the rugs I use in my homes are made with polyester—including the top-rated Loloi rugs and most washable rugs (like Ruggable).
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Doesn’t wear as well over time (although, I’ve only ever had to replace a rug once!)
Polypropylene
The best option for outdoor spaces. Also great for busy households and rentals.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stain resistant
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Pet and kid friendly
Cons
- Thin
- Can feel plasticky
Wool
Beautiful and naturally durable.
Pros
- Soft and thick
- Long-lasting
- Natural fibers
Cons
- More expensive
- Known to shed
- Not ideal with pets (can snag)
- Requires more care
Jute and Natural Fiber
A perfect neutral for layering and adding texture. Never goes out of style.
Pros
- Organic look
- Timeless
Cons
- Not as soft
- Harder to clean
- Can shed
- Can shift easily
Return policy
Rugs are one of those purchases I strongly recommend buying from retailers with generous return policies. Even after careful research, colors and scale can look completely different in your own home.
Before ordering, check:
- Return window
- Return shipping fees
- Whether oversized rugs require special shipping
- Restocking fees
I’ve found that Amazon has the easiest return process for most rugs with no shipping or restocking fees. If the price is comparable, that’s usually where I’ll order from for the added peace of mind.
Washable rugs
If you’ve never tried a washable rug, you might be wondering if they’re too good to be true. In my experience, they’re absolutely worth considering if you have kids, pets, or simply want something that’s easy maintain and affordable. I’ve tested several washable rugs from Amazon and have been genuinely impressed with how well they’ve held up, especially for the price.
One thing that surprised me most is how incredibly soft they are. They have a velvety feel underfoot, making them a great choice for playrooms, kitchens, or anywhere young kids spend time. Some of the designs are also comparable to popular Loloi rugs. I currently have this washable rug in our kitchen and couldn’t be happier with it.
With that said, they are on the thin side, and I’m not sure how easily they actually launder in a washing machine (especially the larger sizes). I just spot treat and use my upholstery cleaner for deep cleaning.
Rug pads
Most retailers recommend using a rug pad for added comfort and to extend the life of the rug. I don’t use one every time, but will under these circumstances:
- The rug is thin and needs extra cushion
- The rug doesn’t have a backing and slides on smooth floors, or gets caught easily
- I want to protect the flooring underneath
In my experience, these felt rug pads with a rubber backing offer the best combination of grip and comfort. They help keep both the rug and the pad securely in place while adding a bit of cushioning underfoot. I typically choose a 1/4″ thickness, or 1/8″ when I want to maintain a lower profile. I’ve found that thicker pads can sometimes be visible beneath the rug and cause the edges to sit off the floor.
I also highly recommend using rug tape or corner grippers to help prevent curling and shifting (with or without rug pads!)
Outdoor rugs
Outdoor rugs are a great way to make patios and porches feel more inviting, and like an extension of the house. Look for polypropylene construction, as it holds up the best to moisture and sun exposure. Most outdoor rugs can be vacuumed, hosed off, spot cleaned and even pressure washed to make them look like new again.
My favorite rugs by color
Below you’ll find a hand-picked selection of rugs, grouped by color family. I’ve personally looked through the reviews/photos of each one, and would recommend them to a friend or use them in my own project. As always, make sure to price check across multiple retailers before purchasing!
Beige & Natural
Personal favorites include: RUE-01 Wheat/Sage, CLJ x Loloi Polly Straw/Ivory, Nabela Noor x Livabliss Alo, ORC-9 Jute/Wool
Brown
Personal favorites include: MOG-01 Sunset/Ink, BIL-06 Tobacco/Rust, Karima Reversible Persian Rug, Lilette Taupe/Berry
Green
Personal favorites include: Layla Olive/Charcoal, Lilette Sage/Blush, Layla Antique Moss
Blue
Personal favorites include: Palace Zohra Blue, Rain Handwoven Jute Rug, Bibury BIB-1 Blue
Ivory
Personal favorites include: Lisette LST-01 Ivory/Natural, Juniper Jute Tiled Rug, Lief Hand-Tufted Wool Rug
Burgundy, Red & Pink
Personal favorites include: Georgie Bordeaux/Antique, Layla Cinnamon/Sage, Fernanda Burgundy Rug
Multi
Personal favorites include: Jules Lagoon/Brick, Morgan Denim/Multi, Jules Ink/Terracotta
Black & Gray
Personal favorites include: Polly Slate/Ivory, Downing Plaid Black
Don’t forget to bookmark this post to revisit next time you’re rug shopping, and let me know if I missed anything!
If you found this post helpful, I think you’re going to love what I’ve been working on over the last several months. I’ll be announcing everything in my next newsletter!
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